Cory Monteith’s mother Ann McGregor went on Good Morning America Thursday for her first public interview following her son’s 2013 death.

“Until three days ago, I couldn’t look at a picture of Cory,” she told ABC News’ Bianna Golodryga. “So there’s been progress.”

Monteith, known for his starring role as Finn on Fox’s Glee, died of a drug and alcohol overdose in 2013. He struggled with addiction throughout his life, but McGregor stressed to Golodryga there’s no one to blame. “I don’t think we have power to change the choices they’re making,” she said. “Live every moment, grab the second.”

As for Monteith’s status as a TV star? “I’m still in awe,” McGregor said. “I always will be.”